People Analytics: Transforming HR Strategy with Data Science
Leverage the value of people data for superior business outcomes
Align people strategy with business goals through data
Leaders across business and HR functions face increasing pressure to address critical workforce needs and challenges. While data is transforming industries, many organisations are still early in applying data-led approaches to people's decisions. People analytics combines data science with psychological insight to bridge this gap and improve workforce outcomes.
Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education has designed the eight-week People Analytics: Transforming HR Strategy with Data Science programme that integrates the latest findings from in-depth research by the University’s Psychometrics Centre. The programme equips you with the skills to build or scale a people analytics function, design ethical experiments and address organisational challenges using data. You also learn to interpret workforce data, apply psychometric tools and generate predictive insights that align people strategy with business goals.
Key takeaways
Strategically position a people analytics function within your corporate structure.
Organise, analyse and leverage data that already exists within your organisation.
Generate actionable insights from scientific experiments and data analysis.
Demonstrate both technical and ethical leadership in how you make people decisions.
Combine psychological insights with strategic goals to strengthen the accuracy and impact of your people analytics initiatives.
Programme curriculum
Throughout this eight-week online programme, you will explore practical methods to build a robust people analytics function and learn to apply existing organisational data to solve real-world business challenges.
How do you set up people analytics function?
Position people analytics as a strategic, insight-driven function rather than as a reporting tool. Identify the capabilities, objectives and infrastructure needed to establish a mature and high-impact analytics function within your organisation.
How do you organise and leverage what already exists within your organisation?
Understand how to identify key stakeholders and align them with your analytics goals. Develop a practical approach to project execution by uncovering valuable data opportunities and exploring the benefits of data warehousing.
How do you ensure you solve the right problem within the appropriate timeframe?
Create effective project plans for people analytics by managing priorities and stakeholder expectations. Break down complex HR challenges, examine counterintuitive insights and uncover root causes to ensure meaningful outcomes.
How can you best achieve scientific rigour and quality within complex and dynamic organisational settings?
Develop sound experimental designs tailored to organisational settings. Use scientific language to frame hypotheses, compare measurement approaches and draw valid, actionable conclusions from your findings.
What role do latent traits have in governing workplace behaviour and how can psychological data augment people analytics efforts?
Understand how psychological traits influence employee behaviour and how to assess psychometric tools for quality and fit. Explore how this data supports more informed strategic decisions.
How do you go from description to prediction and what do people analytics projects involve in practice?
Learn to frame organisational problems as data questions using structured interviews and text analytics. Build your high-level fluency in data science concepts to lead analytics teams and convert findings into actionable insights.
How can you safely and consistently integrate data into your communication and decision-making strategies?
Differentiate between machine learning (ML), AI and predictive modelling approaches. Apply data science techniques to real-world organisational datasets, and learn how to progress from descriptive insights to predictive and prescriptive analytics in a business context.
What is your vision for the future of work and how can people analytics help you to achieve positive change in individuals, organisations and the society?
Formulate a strategic and ethical vision for the future of people analytics. Examine how to apply ML responsibly, align analytics with corporate values and use data to drive transformation across individuals, organisations and broader society.
For more information on the syllabus, download the brochure.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is designed for professionals who want to build or scale people analytics functions and drive data-informed transformation across the organisation. It is suitable for professionals across sectors, including finance, telecom, government and consulting.
This programme is particularly beneficial for:
HR professionals looking to use data to solve people challenges, from turnover to productivity, and lead strategic change
People or data analysts aiming to make smarter, business-relevant predictions using internal data sources
HR and analytics consultants who want to deliver more impactful, evidence-based solutions for clients
Project managers aligning people, processes and performance with organisational strategy
Directors and business leaders seeking to optimise workforce decisions through people analytics
Employee representatives looking to understand how AI and big data are reshaping work
What you will learn
The curriculum equips you with data-driven, people-focused approaches to build a future-ready HR function and unlock the full potential of workforce insights.
Practical strategies
curated by Cambridge Judge Business School faculty to build, structure and lead an effective people analytics function.
Strategic and technical tools
to transform people data into insights that drive smarter, evidence-based business and workforce decisions.
Research-backed methods
to analyse performance drivers, experiment with workplace data and solve root causes of HR challenges.
Leadership frameworks
that integrate ethical, psychological and behavioural perspectives into data-led decision-making.
Collaborative learning
with global peers to exchange insights, explore diverse case studies and broaden your perspective.
People Analytics with The Psychometrics Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School
The Psychometrics Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School combines deep academic expertise with real-world application in behavioural data science. As a global leader in psychometrics and people analytics, the Centre offers research-driven insights, practical tools, including the OBPI, and a strong focus on ethical, responsible data use. Its expert faculty equips you with the psychological and analytical skills to lead people-focused transformation in any organisation.
Testimonials
Faculty live sessions
Engage with Cambridge Judge Business School faculty through a series of live, interactive sessions designed to extend your understanding of key people analytics concepts and explore their application in real-world settings. These sessions cover advanced topics, including root cause analysis, psychometric integration, predictive analytics and strategic planning for workplace transformation.
You will examine real cases, gain expert perspectives and take part in guided discussions to strengthen your ability to lead analytics initiatives effectively. You will also learn to:
Solve the right HR problems using root cause analysis and project prioritisation
Understand the role of psychometric data and latent traits in workplace behaviour
Apply organisational data science from description to prediction
Develop a people analytics vision to guide strategic workplace change
Practical tools and frameworks
Gain access to proven models and tools used by industry leaders to apply people analytics effectively. These resources support practical learning, strategic planning and evidence-based HR decision-making.
Gartner IT maturity model
This structured benchmarking tool is used to assess and advance IT and analytics capabilities across functions, including CIO leadership, infrastructure and operations and enterprise data strategy.
Gartner talent analytics framework
Designed to embed analytics into daily HR workflows, this framework supports evidence-based decision-making across the employee life cycle — from talent acquisition to retention and development.
Gartner corporate performance management (CPM) framework
This comprehensive model links business strategy with performance metrics, enabling organisations to align planning, forecasting and reporting with advanced analytical tools.
Orpheus Business Personality Inventory (OBPI)
Developed by Professor John Rust at the Cambridge Psychometrics Centre, this scientifically validated tool assesses workplace traits and integrity. Participants receive a personal report, offering practical insight into the use of psychometric testing for recruitment, coaching and organisational development.
STAR(L) interview model and TOTE scheme
This behavioural interview method helps structure conversations to extract actionable information from candidates and employees, enabling more effective analysis of qualitative input.
Text analysis — video demonstration
This guided demonstration using Jupyter Notebook shows how to process and interpret unstructured text data for actionable insights in HR contexts.
Predictive model analysis — video demonstration
This video demonstration is a step-by-step walkthrough of a predictive modelling exercise designed to help participants understand how to build and interpret forecasting models based on organisational data.
Case studies
Explore real-world examples of how organisations across sectors have applied people analytics to solve complex workforce challenges and drive strategic outcomes.
Explore how a European airline addressed organisational tensions and enhanced the impact of its people analytics function.
Examine how a software provider applied psychometric data to boost the accuracy of predictive HR models.
Analyse how an Asian bank improved trader performance forecasting and advanced team skills in NLP, AI and decision-making.
Investigate how a sports clothing brand used data aggregation and stakeholder management to resolve key performance challenges.
Identify how a US bank uncovered flaws in performance ratings and increased HR's strategic value through predictive analytics.
Uncover how a food processing organisation leveraged root cause analysis to better understand attrition and influence business strategy.
Discover how the technology giant Google investigated how a data-driven experiment reshaped perceptions of management and workplace effectiveness.
Assess how a Japanese digital marketing organisation introduced new processes and a predictive model to reduce recruitment bias.
Programme highlights
The programme includes a mix of live and recorded sessions with faculty and guest speakers, application exercises, interactive discussion groups and proprietary tools such as the discussion groups and psychometric instruments. We expect participants to dedicate 4–6 hours per week over the eight weeks of the programme.
Setting Up a People Analytics Function
Learn what it takes in practice to set up a people analytics function and how to best position it within your organisation; refine the ways in which you collect, analyse and maintain organisational databases; and equip your function with the necessary techniques to tackle the most salient challenges.
Generating Actionable Insights
Apply scientific research methodologies to enhance information quality and experiment with confidence in complex and dynamic organisational settings.
From Description to Prediction
Explore how prediction models are designed and how they operate to enable more accurate forecasting. This will inspire you to shape the future through accountable and data-driven leadership.
Using Data to Solve Problems
Learn the language of data science to better manage analysts working with people data. Integrate psychological theory with strategic imperatives to significantly improve project outcomes.
Action Plan for Your Organisation
Create a workbook that includes reflection, discussion and consolidation of each week's learning along with practical guidance and support in implementing people analytics in practice.
Past participant profile
Past participants come from diverse backgrounds, industries, functions, and cultures, bringing varied experience. This diversity fosters fresh perspectives and innovative solutions for your organisation's unique challenges.
Faculty
Research Director, BSc (Zhejiang University), MSc (University of Munich), PhD (University of Cambridge)
Luning Sun is a highly experienced psychometrician and researcher, having led many international research collaborations to advance the field of psychological and behavioural ...
People Analytics Lead, The Psychometrics Centre
Peter Romero has 20 years of experience working at marquee organisations such as Gartner and SHL, of which he spent six years in Research & Development and 14 years in consult...
Guest speakers
Founder, The Psychometrics Centre, Cambridge Judge Business School; Associate Fellow of the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence
VP Performance and Deployment, Shell
Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Dublin, Ireland
Global Head of People Reporting and Analytics, Upfield
Chief Technology Officer, PsychAI Talent Group
David W Zalaznick Associate Professor of Business, Columbia Business School
Co-Founder and Chief Psychologist, Aptology Inc.
Project Assistant Professor, Keio University Global Research Institute
Senior Consultant, Hogan Corporate Solutions
CEO and Founder, Institution for a Global Society (IGS)
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a digital certificate of completion by Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
Please note that this programme can be incorporated into the completion of the Cambridge General Management Certificate of Achievement (GMCA). It will be credited as an "in-person" two-day programme for the purpose of meeting the GMCA requirements. If you require more details on the GMCA and wish to speak to our advisers, please contact executive.education@jbs.cam.ac.uk.
Note: After successful completion of the online programme, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the programme. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
FAQs
How do I know if this programme is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the programme landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the programme brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions about whether this programme is a good fit for you, please email us on the email address mentioned above learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated programme adviser will follow up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this programme?
Some programmes do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the programme landing page, as well as in the programme brochure. If you are uncertain about programme prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.
Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50 per cent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry and geography—leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.
What other dates will this programme be offered in the future?
Check back at this programme web page or email us to inquire if future programme dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
How much time is required each week?
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.
How will my time be spent?
We have designed this programme to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities, including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific programme schedule
Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Completing your final project, if required
The programme is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on programme activities.
What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?
More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 per cent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programmes said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.
All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the programme delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the programme in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.
A dedicated programme support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues or anything else that may affect your learning experience.
How do I interact with other programme participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the programme. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programmes are designed to fit into your working life.
This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass. Participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programmes include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the programme brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific programme requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter or resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme, once grading is complete.
Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?
No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this programme?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this programme. In some cases, there are credits that count towards a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the programme brochure.
How long will I have access to the learning materials?
You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and programme materials for 12 months following the programme start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.
What equipment or technical requirements are there for this programme?
Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files and transcripts.
Do I need to be online to access the programme content?
Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access programme content from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device. Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you can view them later.
Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?
Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the programme without missing any of the core programme material or learnings.
What is the programme fee and what forms of payment do you accept?
The programme fee is noted at the top of this programme web page and usually referenced in the programme brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this programme web page next to FEE).
If you apply by an early deadline, you may receive a programme fee benefit. If you believe you may qualify for other discounts, please check with your programme adviser to confirm the applicable discount that will provide the greatest benefit and if there are specific terms and conditions for use. For more information, please connect with a learning adviser or email learner.success@emeritus.org.
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the programme currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your programme adviser or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the programme you are interested in, and we will assist you.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific programme you’re interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this programme?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the programme fee in instalments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the programme?
Emeritus collects all programme payments, provides learner enrolment and programme support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the programme?
Programme fees for Emeritus programmes with Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
What is the programme refund and deferral policy?
For the programme refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Programme Advisers or call us at +44 203 479 4043 (UK) / +1 315 819 0707(US) / +65 3163 8580 (SG)
Flexible payment options available.
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